NCJ Number
197109
Date Published
May 2003
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This monograph first explains the rationale for and purposes of community surveys and then describes the community survey process, followed by a description of the community survey for the Red Hook community in Brooklyn, NY.
Abstract
Community surveys are a logical component of community justice initiatives, which focus on interaction between community residents/organizations and criminal justice personnel/agencies in identifying, analyzing, and responding to community safety needs. Community surveys can identify and assess residents' perception of public safety needs, indicate to community stakeholders that their opinions matter, provide an opportunity to inform a community about a new project, identify potential partners and elicit their cooperation, provide project evaluation data, and obtain information useful in applying for project funding. The general description of the survey process is broken down into three major steps: design, collection, and analysis. The design phase involves developing the content of the survey. The collection involves deciding on how to administer the survey, followed by the designation of the target area and the recruitment and training of volunteers. The analysis of the data obtained from the survey may involve the use of an appropriate software package, the establishment of protocols for data entry, and the comparison of responses between subgroups and the examination of trends over time. The principles of survey design, collection, and analysis are illustrated in the description of the Red Hook survey. 3 sources for further information and appended sample questionnaire and sample survey report